Kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has suspended the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, pending the outcome of an investigation into a recent student protest on campus.
Punch Newspapers 🔎 What HappenedThe suspension follows a protest by students at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, over the use of the school as a temporary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp during ongoing academic activities.
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The Informant247Earlier, the state government had authorized a three-week break for students from January 19, 2026, to allow the NYSC orientation exercise to proceed smoothly. Some students, however, rejected the break, saying they had just returned from the Christmas and New Year holidays leading to heightened tensions and demonstrations.
Suspension & InvestigationGovernor AbdulRazaq has:Directed Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed to step aside immediately from his role as Rector until the investigation concludes.
Ordered the most senior Deputy Rector to act as Rector in the interim.
A three-member panel has been constituted to probe the protest and the handling of the situation. The committee is to submit its findings within two weeks.
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Its key tasks include investigating the remote and immediate causes of the protest, how the situation was managed, and recommending measures to prevent future occurrences, including ways to promote stability and growth at the institution.
Panel Members:
➡ Barr. Senior Ibrahim Sulyman – Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice➡ Hon. Nafisat Buge – Commissioner for Environment➡ Dr. Mrs. Mercy Olufunke Shittu – Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare
🛑 Polytechnic Closure & Tensions Before the rector’s suspension, the governor ordered the immediate closure of Kwara State Polytechnic to protect lives and property after the protest escalated and security operatives were deployed.
Police involvement reportedly included efforts to disperse the crowd at the Polytechnic’s main gate, with some officers allegedly using tear gas, which affected several students and staff, including the institution’s Chief Security Officer.
�NEWSVERGE📢 Call for Calm
The Polytechnic’s Management and the state government have urged students, staff, and stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as engagements continue to resolve the situation amicably and ensure peace on campus.
Image Credit: Punchng
Source: Punchng
